Details

Smooth, superlight and built for compliance. From gran fondos to epic solo rides, this new, reengineered Defy Advanced Pro represents the pinnacle of endurance road performance.

This all-new high-performance frameset is handcrafted with Giant’s Advanced composite and specifically engineered for endurance road riding. With the perfect blend of stiffness and compliance, it delivers a smooth, fast ride quality for your longest, hardest rides. Its innovative technologies include a D-Fuse composite seatpost and Contact SLR D-Fuse composite handlebar, specially shaped cockpit components that work as a system to add compliance and reduce road shocks and vibrations. The frame is also integrated for disc brakes, with flat mounts and 12mm front and rear thru-axles, plus clearance for high-volume tires up to 32c. The oversized and tapered OverDrive 2 steerer tube boosts cornering precision, while the MegaDrive downtube and PowerCore bottom bracket deliver precise handling and class-leading pedaling efficiency.

This is a fantastic bike for the cost. The frame is light and responsive, stiff horizontally at the bottom bracket where it matters, but compliant vertically, so you don't get beat up, even on rough roads. I rode a Specialized Roubaix and a Trek Domane to compare, and the Defy won out over those two, and I have now piled up close to 2,000 miles on it. This bike came with the Shimano 105 groupset, which has been very efficient, with great gearing for almost anywhere. The wheels are a tad heavy, but remain true, and I have not had a single flat tire on the road, not one. The frame and wheels will take up to 28mm tires, in case you are curious. There are two things also to know, the seapost here is a proprietary Giant post, in a D shape. Giant does this to make it more comfortable, but if you want another post, you can't just put anything on there. The saddle is also fairly similar to a Fizik in shape, which doesn't work for everyone. I found the padding on the saddle to be perfect though. This however you can change to whatever you find works for you.
The difference between the 2016 and 2017 models are minimal. The newer version has hydraulic brakes, and thru axles on the hubs.
If you can't justify the cost, take a look at the Defy Disc, which is the aluminum version of this bike (with carbon forks). Only slightly heavier, and not quite as comfortable, it's a great bike in it's own right.
Do not order one of these bikes blind. Get to a bike shop and ask to test ride one so you can feel it, and check what size works for you. Any bike shop worth it's weight in salt won't blink at your request. They likely know you'll buy one. I also highly recommend you get a basic fit with any bike you purchase.

Dollar for dollar this is maybe the best carbon bike you can buy. It's very comfortable on even rough roads or packed dirt. The bike comes with 28 tires, but will fit 28. It's also laterally stiff where it matters most, making the bike responsive. The endurance geometry is fairly relaxed, but make sure it fits you. Some feel that the bike is a tad long, so if you have short arms, make sure you do a test ride and get the right fit.
The disc brakes work great for not being hydraulic, and the rear shifting is spot on perfect. I found the front derallieur needs a bit if trimming at times. The wheels are not great, but not bad either.
Finally, like most Giants, this bike is really nice looking. Both the white and yellow versions. Though not a reason to buy a bike, it's still a nice touch.

have been biking for a while and was pretty happy with a lower end Trek. wanted to upgrade and was told to check out Giant because of the great value for your money. tried a number of bikes, but really fell in love with the Defy.
its lightweight, great components and durable.
probably will upgrade wheels and tires in a couple of years, but otherwise, love it!
lots of hills in Michigan and this bike helps me kill them

After buying an old 10 speed and getting into riding and riding a lot I took the leap and bought this amazing bike. It has an aggressive feel while still remaining comfortable. Its great for 50+ mile rides but it also fast for shorter rides. With Shimano 105 components it shifts perfectly without spend way to much on anything nicer. Its just a great light fast bike thats comfortable for long rides. Plus the people at Jones are wonderful and so helpful.

The most comfortable road bike I ever sat on. The personalized fit at Full Cycle (Nancy and Mike?) was great. After putting on the selle Italia max lite seat it was perfect. Nancy spent an hour setting it up. I was about ready to buy a Modone 4.5, then found this bike at Full Cycle.The Giant just fit me better.

I actually bought the 2009 Defy Advanced 2 (with Ultegra) from Curt. Was impressed with the ride compared to the Orbea Onix and Specialzed Roubiax. I felt like I could anyhting on this bike. It's fast and responsive. A real quality product. Giant does'nt mess around and neither does the staff at Curt's Cyclery. They were knowledgeable and very friendly.

I love this bike compared to my former bike. I ride 25-30 miles a day and this bike is fast, agile and comfortable. A very comfortable fit in terms of the seat and handlebar geometry, fits like a glove. I would highly recommnend this bike to anyone who wants quality and performane. I purchased this bike 11/09.

test rode it Sunday, 8/16. Also tested the Cannondale priced a few hundred $$ more. Liked the Giant better. Waiting for the 2010's to come out, so I can get the '09 on a close-out. Might put a triple crank set on it for climbing the extra steep hills around where I live.

I just got this bike a month ago, my first all carbon bike. Loved it from the first 5 seconds on it. This bike was a demo I got at a local shop and save about a grand off sticker, so that was great. It's quick and comfy. Being that I am 38 years old and with the legs of a 14 year old school girl, it climbs like a champ.

Bought the in January, Tested and rode a lot others.
Rode over a 2000 miles so far, including a Century.
Very comfortable and quick.
Not as soft as the Robuiax, but more responsive, rigid and lighter. The rims have been solid, no complaints about the components. I would defiantly buy this bike again. Awesome deal!